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Back during the 1940's and 50's, I remember when all roads, even field roads led to the river, and more so during the summer Sunday afternoons.
The land owners along the river all had dirt roads between their crop lands and pastures that lead to the river's edge. It was very common for the neighborhood to use such a private access road, for the picnic, fishing, or just a family day at the river.
Rain on that dirt road while at the river, was the only fear a driver had. There would be a rush for all to get back out to a real road, as it seemed to be always a hill to drive up and out of the river bottom.
Where the river had bridges, there would sometimes be bigger gatherings to include bandstands, ball fields, something for everyone.
People got out more then it seems, maybe for the lack of television, and air-conditioned homes. The river meant a cooler place, with good social outings.
Then at some point laws changed things, making land owners at no fault of there own were held liable. Thus came the parks, fees, rules and open times.
With that went the open friendly neighborhood and closed fishing banks.
I long for the river days past.
Written By: The Last Federal Homesteader near Fairbanks Alaska
~Duane A. Ose
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